1. What will my child do on the trip?
Your child’s teacher and a WorldStrides Account Manager will determine the specific itinerary and details will be provided to your child's teacher prior to departure. Depending on the group size, your child’s teacher will be supported by other chaperones as needed.

However, the program will look something like this:
Your child’s group arrives in Florida and is met by a WorldStrides representative at the airport. The group boards its motorcoach and the adventure begins. During your child’s educational travel program, the group has a WorldStrides Course Leader. The Course Leader not only provides details about what the group is seeing but also engages the group in critical thinking, encouraging students to think about what they are learning and process the information in ways that will be meaningful and memorable. At the hotel, your child will have time to hang out with friends, receive instructions from his/her teacher, and call home.

Your child’s days are full of fun activities and learning. Florida is a unique destination for the study of wildlife biology, ecology, restoration ecology, and ecosystem management. On a WorldStrides program in Florida, students experience science outside of the classroom through exclusive hands-on educational opportunities.

On a Science in Motion program:
Students become inspired to excel in their study of science and pursue science careers. They understand the importance of conservation when they observe the endangered Florida panther and the manatee in their natural habitats. Students develop an understanding of motions and forces when they take part in a behind-the-scenes seminar at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. They gain a unique ecological perspective while exploring a barrier island, a swamp, and an estuary. Students also get an in-depth look the future of space travel at Kennedy Space Center – the starting point of all U.S. space flights. Click here to see a sample itinerary.

On a Habitat: H20 program:
Students experience Florida wildlife and beauty in an extraordinary way. Students understand the importance of conservation when they swim with the endangered manatee in its natural habitat. Students gain a unique ecological perspective when they explore a diverse group of ecosystems – wetlands, a barrier island, an estuary, prairies, pinelands, and hammocks – all in one setting. Students gain an appreciation of scientific research when they visit Mote Marine Laboratory – the world’s leading shark research center. Click here to see a sample itinerary.

On a Splash into Science program:
Students have the rare opportunity to experience science in two of the world’s most unique ecosystems – the Florida Keys and the Everglades. Students understand the interdependence of living things and marine conservation when they snorkel in the third largest coral reef in the world. Students gain a unique ecological perspective when they explore the Everglades – a rare type of ecosystem that contains 8 distinct environments. They will also learn about animal physiology and adaptations of organisms when they swim with the dolphins in their natural habitat. Click here to see a sample itinerary.

On a Dive In: Life in the Field program:
Students step into the shoes of a field scientist as they explore and interact with Florida’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. Students use handheld technological devices to aid their research as they gather clues in an environmental forensics lab and build an ocean profile on one of Florida’s only natural beaches. They experience the thrill of swimming with dolphins and manatees, and later embark on a snorkeling adventure along the vibrant, colorful reefs of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Students also hike in the Everglades and kayak through four different Floridian habitats. Click here to see a sample itinerary.

During the trip a chaperone will be present at each site visited by your child’s group. At selected sites, students may be allowed the freedom to explore on their own. To make the trip more enjoyable and safe for everyone, it is important for each student to exhibit responsible behavior at all time, in accordance with the Behavior Contract he or she signed prior to departure and in addition to the rules established by his or her teacher.

2. Will my child be safe/What happens should an emergency arise?
At WorldStrides, your child’s safety is our highest priority. From start to finish, our staff is dedicated to your child’s safety and making your investment count. WorldStrides employs over 350 professionals who make sure each program is safe, worry-free, and enjoyable. However, should an emergency arise, participants can reach a WorldStrides representative 24 hours a day using a toll-free number. Should your child become sick or need treatment during this educational travel program, WorldStrides provides accident and illness coverage free of charge. Click here for more details on accident and illness coverage.

3. Where will my child be staying?
All of our hotels are nationally recognized chain hotels such as Holiday Inn, Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott properties, or comparable. Each hotel has been chosen for its cleanliness, hospitality, and safe location. Our hotels are “student friendly” and rated by the teachers leading trips every year.

4. What kinds of meals are provided for the students?
Students enjoy expanded continental breakfasts at the hotel or at a local restaurant. Groups usually eat at food courts or enjoy cafeteria-style lunches while touring and are also provided dinners. In some cases, lunches may or may not be included in the program price (see your registration letter for details).

5. What kind of clothes should my child wear/what should he/she pack?
Comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes are a must. As weather is often unpredictable, bring rain gear and dress in layers should the temperature change throughout the day. Check our suggested packing list for more details.

6. What is the weather like in Florida?
Listed below are the average temperatures for each month in Orlando and Tampa, FL.

8. What is the payment plan for this program?
You can learn about the payment plan for WorldStrides educational travel programs in the Financial Information section of Parent Place. Click here to reach Financial Information online.

9. Can I participate in the trip along with my child?
Your child’s Program Leader makes the decision as to whether or not parents can participate. There is an additional cost for adults depending on the number of program participants per room:

          5% of Base Program Price* per person for a quad (four to a room). This applies to Florida science programs only.
          10% of Base Program Price* per person for a triple (three to a room)
          15% of Base Program Price* per person for a double (two to a room)
          30% of Base Program Price* per person for a single (one to a room)

To ensure a quality educational experience for the students, some tour sites have strict student-to-adult ratios. Please ask your Program Leader for specific details. Adults are automatically registered two to a room and WorldStrides charges an additional 15% of base trip price. If WorldStrides is unable to accommodate adults in a double room because of group configuration and/or hotel availability, adults are then required to pay a 30% single-room supplement of base trip price. If adults, upon all parties’ approval, are able to share a quad room or a triple room, WorldStrides will charge an additional 5% of base trip price or 10% of base trip price respectively.

*Base Program Price = Initial price as stated in the registration letter, or as revised per Program Leader and Account Manager.

For more answers to your frequently asked questions about WorldStrides, the registration process, payment questions, cancellation policy and protection, and general trip information.